Caithness advice bureau volunteer's star quality is recognised with award
A Citizens Advice Bureau volunteer in Thurso has been hailed as "an absolute star" after receiving an award for all her efforts.
Susan Gower was presented with a Highland Volunteer award from Caithness CAB in recognition of her support to the organisation over the past 15 years.
Bureau manager Isobel Mackay said: "Susan has always been a great help to the team and will volunteer to do any task.
"Due to the pandemic Susan has not been able to come to the office but continues to help us by adding up-to-date information to our website and social media.
"Susan has been supporting us since she retired from Dounreay 15 years ago, as well as being a volunteer on the board of directors. She is an absolute star."
Isobel invited Catherine Patterson, volunteer development officer for Caithness Volunteer Group, to come to the CAB office in Thurso to hand over the award. Catherine’s role is to support individuals with volunteering opportunities and organisations with volunteer recruitment.
She can be contacted by email at volunteering@cvg.org.uk
Caithness CAB has unlocked a total of just over £3 million for people who have sought its help during the pandemic.
The sum – covering the period from March to December – includes money gained through social security payments, employment entitlements, savings on utility costs and reductions in debt payments.
In response to lockdown, the local team had to suspend face-to-face advice but adapted quickly to circumstances and remained contactable for advice by phone and email.
Isobel said: “I’m extremely proud of the work that our team does. Our advisers concentrate on individual cases day by day, but when you see the total amount that we gained for people it really is quite breathtaking.
“And I would expect that a lot of that money will be spent in local shops and businesses, so helping to boost them too.
“Investing in CABs is investing in our people and the local community. Across the network every £1 invested in core advice delivered £16 for people – that’s a great return on investment and it makes a real difference for people.
“This has been a year like no other, and the pandemic changed the way of life for so many of us, but our amazing advisers didn’t miss a beat and ensured people in Caithness and north Sutherland got the advice they needed.
“It just goes to show that, if you are struggling financially, our advice really can help you. Our service is completely free, impartial and confidential.”